Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its enchanting Hoi An Full Moon Lantern Festival, a monthly celebration that transforms the ancient town into a glowing wonderland of colorful lanterns. Knowing the Hoi An Full Moon Lantern Festival dates is essential for planning your visit to this cultural spectacle. This guide provides the 2025 festival dates, highlights what to expect, and offers tips to make your experience unforgettable, ensuring you witness Hoi An’s magic at its peak.
What is the Hoi An Full Moon Lantern Festival?
The Hoi An Full Moon Lantern Festival is a monthly event held on the 14th day of the lunar month, when the moon is at its fullest and brightest. During the festival, Hoi An’s Old Town turns off electric lights, allowing thousands of silk and paper lanterns to illuminate the streets and the Hoai River. Locals and visitors release floating lanterns, enjoy traditional performances, and savor Hoi An’s street food, creating a magical atmosphere steeped in Vietnamese culture. The festival, which began in 1998, blends Buddhist full moon traditions with Hoi An’s historic lantern-making heritage, introduced by Chinese and Japanese traders in the 16th and 17th centuries.
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| A nighttime shot of Hoi An’s Old Town during the festival |
Hoi An Full Moon Lantern Festival Dates for 2025
The Hoi An Full Moon Lantern Festival occurs on the 14th day of each lunar month, typically one or two days before the actual full moon. Below are the confirmed Hoi An Full Moon Lantern Festival dates for 2025, based on the lunar calendar:
- January 13, 2025
- February 11, 2025 (First full moon of the Lunar New Year, the grandest celebration)
- March 13, 2025
- April 11, 2025
- May 11, 2025
- June 9, 2025
- July 8, 2025
- August 7, 2025
- September 5, 2025
- October 5, 2025
- November 3, 2025
- December 3, 2025
Note: These dates are based on the lunar calendar and may vary slightly. Always check with local sources or tour operators closer to your travel date for confirmation. The February 11, 2025, festival, coinciding with the Lunar New Year (Tet), is the most vibrant, featuring extra decorations and larger crowds.
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| A calendar graphic highlighting the Hoi An Full Moon Lantern Festival dates for 2025 |
Why Plan Around the Hoi An Full Moon Lantern Festival Dates?
Visiting Hoi An during the Hoi An Full Moon Lantern Festival offers a unique experience:
- Magical Atmosphere: The absence of electric lights and the glow of lanterns create a fairytale-like setting.
- Cultural Immersion: Participate in traditions like releasing lanterns, watching Bai Choi (a UNESCO-recognized performance), and enjoying local street food like cao lau and banh mi.
- Photography Opportunities: The lantern-lit streets and river are ideal for capturing stunning night photos.
The festival runs from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, with peak activity around 8:00 PM when lanterns dominate the town’s illumination. Planning your trip around these Hoi An Full Moon Lantern Festival dates ensures you experience Hoi An at its most enchanting.
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| A close-up of a tourist releasing a glowing lotus-shaped lantern on the Hoai River, surrounded by other floating lanterns. |
Top Activities During the Hoi An Full Moon Lantern Festival
Here’s what to do during the festival to make the most of the Hoi An Full Moon Lantern Festival dates:
- Release a Floating Lantern: Purchase a paper lantern (5,000-20,000 VND, or $0.20-0.80) and release it on the Hoai River with a wish for luck and happiness.
- Take a Sampan Boat Ride: A 20-30 minute boat ride (150,000-200,000 VND for 1-4 people) offers a unique view of the lantern-lit river.
- Enjoy Street Food: Savor Hoi An specialties like cao lau, banh xeo, and banh bao vac at food stalls along the riverbank.
- Watch Cultural Performances: Experience Bai Choi, traditional music, and poetry recitals near the Japanese Covered Bridge and An Hoi Bridge.
- Visit the Night Market: Shop for handmade lanterns, souvenirs, and crafts at the bustling Hoi An Night Market on Nguyen Hoang Street.
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| A lively scene of Bai Choi performers singing and playing instruments under lantern-lit streets. |
Tips for Visiting the Hoi An Full Moon Lantern Festival
To maximize your experience on the Hoi An Full Moon Lantern Festival dates, follow these tips:
- Arrive Early: Reach the Old Town by 5:00 PM to enjoy dinner and secure a spot before crowds peak at 8:00 PM.
- Book Accommodations in Advance: Stay near the Old Town (e.g., Full Moon Apartments or Hotel Royal Hoi An) for easy access, especially during the February festival.
- Dress Appropriately: Wear comfortable shoes for walking and modest clothing for temple visits. Rent an ao dai for stunning photos.
- Respect Local Customs: Release lanterns responsibly to avoid littering, and be mindful of noise levels during rituals.
- Bring a Camera: Use a smartphone or camera with night mode to capture the lantern glow. A tripod is ideal for long-exposure shots.
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| A group of tourists in ao dai posing with lanterns at the Hoi An Night Market |
Best Spots to Experience the Festival
The heart of the Hoi An Full Moon Lantern Festival is in Hoi An’s Old Town, particularly around:
- Japanese Covered Bridge: A historic landmark surrounded by lanterns and performances.
- An Hoi Bridge: Offers panoramic views of the lantern-filled Hoai River.
- Hoai River and Thu Bon River: Ideal for releasing lanterns or taking boat rides.
- Nguyen Thai Hoc and Tran Phu Streets: Lined with lantern-decorated shops and food stalls.
Arriving early at these spots ensures the best views and fewer crowds. For a quieter experience, explore side streets like Le Loi or Nguyen Thi Minh Khai.
Why the Hoi An Full Moon Lantern Festival is a Must-Visit
The Hoi An Full Moon Lantern Festival is more than a visual spectacle—it’s a cultural journey. The festival’s roots in Buddhist traditions and Hoi An’s trading history create a unique blend of spirituality and heritage. Whether you’re a photographer, foodie, or culture enthusiast, the festival offers something for everyone. The Hoi An Full Moon Lantern Festival dates in 2025, especially February 11, provide the perfect opportunity to witness this magical event.
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| A panoramic view of Hoi An’s Old Town at night, with lanterns reflecting on the Thu Bon River and crowds enjoying the festival. |
Conclusion
The Hoi An Full Moon Lantern Festival dates for 2025 offer travelers a chance to experience one of Vietnam’s most enchanting cultural events. From the glowing lanterns on the Hoai River to the vibrant performances and street food, the festival captures the heart of Hoi An’s heritage. Plan your visit around the Hoi An Full Moon Lantern Festival dates—especially February 11, 2025, for the Lunar New Year celebration—and immerse yourself in this unforgettable spectacle. Book your accommodations and tours early, and get ready for a night of magic in Hoi An!
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